I would like to hear some peoples opinions on air dry vs force dry (Baked). What are the advantages/disadvantages besides simply how long it takes to dry. Durability, gloss, life span etc.

 

Based upon my experience there is little difference besides cure time as long as its done correctly. But when air drying a finish, it has a longer period of time when the surface is vulnerable and exposed to potential contaminates (besides dirt imperfections). Using the right kind of clear that sets and cures fast can shorten that time frame though. I've spayed many jobs in a down draft booth and shut it off after the clear has set and flashed completely without problems.

 

thats pretty much how I feel, but I'm in the middle of trying to decide what product to use at my shop, we have been using sherwin williams and have been having complaints about how soft it stays. My paint rep insists that it is because we dont have a bake booth. My first thought was that he was making excuses for a sub par product. thanks for the response, keep'em coming.

 

I actually use PPG DCU2021 clear both in the booth and I used it in my garage. I really like how it comes out when I bake it but it came out pretty well air drying in the garage. I would recomend something like PPG if you wanna fork out some $$$. I have had it on my Accord now for 3 years and still looks like it did when it came out the booth. PPG

 

DuPont HC 7600, it's a fast flash low overspray clear. 2-3 minutes between coats, and it's dust free in 20 mins.

"ChromaClear Hyper-Cure Air Dry Clearcoat HC-7600S
HC-7600S is the world’s fastest air dry/low bake clear that has low overspray and dust free attributes. It revolutionizes energy savings and productivity. HC-7600 possess, for the first time, a combination of unique attributes, good gloss, ultra fast deep cure, fast out of dust and low overspray."

It's my favorite clear.